With pristine beaches and virgin rainforests, the remote town of Palanan can very well be a first-on-the-list destination for vacationers and nature-lovers. However, with the lack of roads attaching it to the province of Isabela, the “Last Stand of the First Philippine Republic” remains unknown to many Filipinos.

This Tuesday (Apr 21), guest correspondent Dominic Almelor rediscovers the forgotten paradise of Palanan, which has been trapped in obscurity since being known as the hideout of then Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo during the time of the Americans.

Surrounded by the mountains of Sierra Madre and the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Palanan can only be reached by boat or via a small plane. It’s this isolation which has made it hard for people to get there, as well as technology.

Up to this day, residents move around the town only on motorcycles, tricycles, or horses. Romeo Donato, a Palanan native, even had to fly out to Isabela to get proper medical attention for his rare illness.

Dominic will find out what future lies ahead for the people of Palanan and if there’s still hope that roads can be constructed to connect it to the rest of Isabela.

Join Dominic Almelor on his adventure to Palanan’s forgotten paradise this Tuesday (Apr 21) on “The Correspondents,” right after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN.